EP1008885B1 - Electrostatically controlled optical device having a variable operative condition, particularly shutter or mirror - Google Patents

Electrostatically controlled optical device having a variable operative condition, particularly shutter or mirror Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1008885B1
EP1008885B1 EP99830725A EP99830725A EP1008885B1 EP 1008885 B1 EP1008885 B1 EP 1008885B1 EP 99830725 A EP99830725 A EP 99830725A EP 99830725 A EP99830725 A EP 99830725A EP 1008885 B1 EP1008885 B1 EP 1008885B1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
petal
fixed support
electrode
optical device
film
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
Application number
EP99830725A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1008885A1 (en
Inventor
Marco Pizzi
Piero Perlo
Sabino Sinesi
Vito Lambertini
Daniele Pullini
Valerian Koniachkine
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Centro Ricerche Fiat SCpA
Original Assignee
Centro Ricerche Fiat SCpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Centro Ricerche Fiat SCpA filed Critical Centro Ricerche Fiat SCpA
Publication of EP1008885A1 publication Critical patent/EP1008885A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1008885B1 publication Critical patent/EP1008885B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
    • G02B26/08—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light
    • G02B26/0816—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light by means of one or more reflecting elements
    • G02B26/0833—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light by means of one or more reflecting elements the reflecting element being a micromechanical device, e.g. a MEMS mirror, DMD
    • G02B26/0841—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the direction of light by means of one or more reflecting elements the reflecting element being a micromechanical device, e.g. a MEMS mirror, DMD the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
    • G02B26/02—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the intensity of light
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G09—EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09F—DISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F9/00—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements
    • G09F9/30—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements
    • G09F9/37—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements
    • G09F9/372—Indicating arrangements for variable information in which the information is built-up on a support by selection or combination of individual elements in which the desired character or characters are formed by combining individual elements being movable elements the positions of the elements being controlled by the application of an electric field
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
    • G01J3/00—Spectrometry; Spectrophotometry; Monochromators; Measuring colours
    • G01J3/02—Details
    • G01J3/0205—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. optical manifolds, diffusers, windows
    • G01J3/0232—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. optical manifolds, diffusers, windows using shutters

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrostatically controlled optical device having a variable operative state, and adapted in particular to act as shutter or mirror.
  • An electrostatically controlled optical device of the type indicated in the preamble of claim 1 is known from GB-A-2 006 944.
  • Other similar devices are known from US-A-3 989 357, US-A-4 163 162 and DE-A-3 047 495.
  • the object of the present invention is that of proposing new and unique applications of electrostatically operating petals for providing optical elements having a variable operative state, such as shutters or mirrors with variable reflectance.
  • the invention provides an optical device as set forth in claim 1.
  • Figures 1, 2 show a first embodiment of an optical device which does not form part of the invention, in shutter form.
  • the device generally designated by reference numeral 1, comprises a fixed support 2 including a substrate 3 constituted by a sheet of glass or plastics, which is transparent to light, having a thickness of a few millimeters or centimeters. On the surface of substrate 3 there is applied, by evaporation or spin-coating or screen-printing or dipping a layer 4 of conductive material which is transparent to light, having a thickness of a few tens or hundreds of nanometers.
  • the conductive layer 4 is insulated by a layer 5 of dielectric or ferroelectric insulating material which is transparent to light, whose thickness may vary from 0.1 micrometers to a few tens of micrometers.
  • This layer may be obtained by screen-printing or spin-coating or dipping.
  • Reference numeral 6 designates the movable part of the device which is constituted by a dielectric film with a thickness of a few microns, with a metal coating on one side (petal).
  • the petal may be comprised of a single metal film. The film is secured at one end to the surface of the substrate so that the metal part is in contact with the substrate.
  • An elastic film is used which in the underformed condition is rolled in a curled shape, as shown in figure 1.
  • the dimensions of the film may vary depending upon the type of shutter which is required.
  • the petal 6 By applying the electric voltage between the petal 6 and the electrode 4 which is transparent to light, the petal 6 lays down over the surface of substrate 3 (figure 2) thus preventing passage of light rays L (state 1). If however the electric voltage between the petal 6 and the electrode 4 is zero, the film is rolled on itself due to its own elasticity thus enabling light L to pass (state 0).
  • the diagram of figure 3 shows the variation of the voltage between electrode 4 and petal 6 with the time.
  • Figures 4, 5, 6 show a second embodiment not forming part of the invention which substantially corresponds to the embodiment of figures 1, 2, except for that in this case the device is used as a mirror with variable reflectance.
  • the parts in common to those of figures 1, 2 are designated with the same reference numeral.
  • the device 1 comprises a fixed support 2 including a substrate 3, an electrode 4 and an insulating layer 5.
  • the techniques which are used to provide these layers and the thickness thereof are identical with those indicated in the foregoing with reference to figures 1, 2.
  • the electrode 4 is constituted by a material which is semi-transparent to light.
  • petals 6 are provided arranged side-by-side which have an undeformed condition rolled in a curled shape (figure 4) which may be caused to lay down over substrate 3, in a way similar to that provided in the embodiment of figures 1, 2, by application of voltage pulses between the electrode and the petals.
  • the petals are constituted by dielectric films with a thickness of a few micrometers, with a metal coating on one side, or by fully metal films which are made by evaporation, having a thickness between 0.5 and 2 micrometers.
  • the mirror When the petals are in the curled condition shown in figure 4, the mirror is semi-reflective, due to layer 4.
  • a possible application of this device is that of motor-vehicle rear-view mirrors which may be switched between a fully reflective condition and a partially reflective condition which avoids dazzling due to the headlamps of the vehicles which follow.
  • Figures 7, 8 show the device according to the invention, which relates to a shutter with a first fixed support 2, a second fixed support 7 and a movable part 6.
  • the first fixed support 2 includes a substrate 3 constituted by a sheet of glass or plastics which is transparent to light and with a thickness of a few millimeters or centimeters. On the surface of the substrate there is applied, by evaporation, spin-coating, screen-printing or dipping, a layer 4 of conductive material which is transparent to light, having a thickness of a few tens or hundreds of nanometers.
  • the conductive layer 4 is insulated with a layer 5 of dielectric or ferroelectric insulating material which is transparent to light, whose thickness may vary between 0.1 micrometers and a few tens of micrometers.
  • This layer may be obtained by screen-printing or spin-coating or dipping.
  • the second fixed support 7 is arranged orthogonally to the first fixed support 2 and includes a base 8 made of alumina or steel on which a second electrode 9 is applied which can be comprised of a metal sheet with a thickness of a few millimeters or a layer of conductive material made by screen-printing or dipping or spin-coating or evaporation. Also the second electrode 9 is insulated by screen-printing or spin-coating or dipping with a layer of a dielectric or ferroelectric insulating material, whose thickness may vary between 0.1 micrometers and a few tens of micrometers.
  • the movable part is constituted by a petal 6 made from a dielectric film with a thickness of a few microns, with a metal coating on one side, or constituted by a single metal layer.
  • the film is bent on itself in an endless fashion, and flattened so as to form a double layer with one end 6a adhering to the first fixed support 2 on one side and the second fixed support 7 on the other side.
  • the metal part of the petal 6 is arranged at the outside of the endless shape.
  • the dimensions and shape of the film may vary depending upon the type of shutter which is required. It is possible to use petals with the metal part located inside the endless shape, in which case the two electrodes 4, 9 have not to be insulated by layers 5, 10.
  • Figures 10, 11 show a variant of the device of figures 7, 8 which relate to the application as a mirror with variable reflectance.
  • the second fixed support 7 is arranged so as to form an angle ⁇ relative to the first fixed support 2.
  • the parts in common to those of figures 7, 8 are designated with the same reference numerals.
  • the various layers of the device of figures 10, 11 are obtained with technologies and dimensions similar to what is provided for the device of figures 7, 8, except for that in this case the first electrode 4 is of a material which is semi-transparent to light.
  • Petal 6 which is constituted by a dielectric film with a thickness of a few microns and a metal coating on one side, or a fully metal film, is secured at one end to the first support 2 and at the other end to the second support 7.
  • the dimensions and shapes of film may vary depending upon the type of mirror which is required.
  • the insulating layer 10 may have a surface which is structured so as to have anti-reflective features when the petal lays down thereon.
  • Figures 12, 13 show two different operative conditions of a variant of the device of figures 10, 11, in which the two supports 2, 7 are parallel to each other, with spacer elements 11 interposed therebetween.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
  • Optical Elements Other Than Lenses (AREA)
  • Blinds (AREA)
  • Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)
  • Optical Radar Systems And Details Thereof (AREA)
EP99830725A 1998-12-09 1999-11-25 Electrostatically controlled optical device having a variable operative condition, particularly shutter or mirror Expired - Lifetime EP1008885B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT1998TO001029A IT1303597B1 (it) 1998-12-09 1998-12-09 Dispositivo ottico e stato di funzionamento variabile, in particolareotturatore o specchio, a controllo elettrostatico.
ITTO981029 1998-12-09

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1008885A1 EP1008885A1 (en) 2000-06-14
EP1008885B1 true EP1008885B1 (en) 2002-07-31

Family

ID=11417233

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP99830725A Expired - Lifetime EP1008885B1 (en) 1998-12-09 1999-11-25 Electrostatically controlled optical device having a variable operative condition, particularly shutter or mirror

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1008885B1 (es)
DE (1) DE69902341T2 (es)
ES (1) ES2180265T3 (es)
IT (1) IT1303597B1 (es)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008009215A1 (de) 2008-02-13 2009-08-20 Universität Kassel Bauelement zur Darstellung von Symbolen und damit hergestellte optische Anzeigevorrichtung

Families Citing this family (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITTO20010275A1 (it) * 2001-03-23 2002-09-23 Fiat Ricerche Spettrofotometro con micro-otturatori elettrostatici.
ITTO20011142A1 (it) 2001-12-07 2003-06-09 C R F Societa Con Sortile Per ,,micro-specchio con micro-otturatore a controllo elettrostatico, matrice di micro-specchi e spettrofotometro infrarosso comprendente tale m
ITTO20020669A1 (it) 2002-07-26 2004-01-26 Fiat Ricerche Spettrofotometro con otturatore a film elettrostatico
ITTO20030347A1 (it) * 2003-05-13 2004-11-14 Fiat Ricerche Micro-attuatore a film sottile a memoria di forma, e procedimento per la sua produzione
US8576469B2 (en) 2009-05-13 2013-11-05 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Light screening apparatus including roll-up actuators
KR20120068569A (ko) 2010-12-17 2012-06-27 삼성전자주식회사 광 차폐 장치 및 이를 구비한 전자 기기
US9249962B2 (en) 2011-06-20 2016-02-02 Koninklijke Philips N.V. Active cooling device with electro-statically moving electrode and method of active cooling with electro-statically moving electrode
KR101878719B1 (ko) 2011-06-24 2018-07-16 삼성전자 주식회사 광 차폐 장치 및 그 제조 방법
DE102020123024A1 (de) * 2020-09-03 2022-03-03 Universität Kassel Spiegel-Shutter-Array
CN114019674B (zh) * 2021-09-29 2023-06-06 北京理工大学 一种透射式光开关、阵列透射式光开关及电子设备

Family Cites Families (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3989357A (en) * 1974-02-01 1976-11-02 Kalt Charles G Electro-static device with rolling electrode
FR2376549A1 (fr) * 1977-01-04 1978-07-28 Thomson Csf Systeme bistable a electrets
FR2402220A1 (fr) * 1977-09-02 1979-03-30 Thomson Csf Dispositif a electrets et systeme d'affichage lumineux comprenant un tel dispositif
DE3047495A1 (de) * 1980-12-17 1982-07-15 SWF-Spezialfabrik für Autozubehör Gustav Rau GmbH, 7120 Bietigheim-Bissingen Anzeigetafel zur darstellung einer sich aendernden information
KR970011621B1 (ko) * 1992-12-07 1997-07-12 가부시끼가이샤 히다찌세이사꾸쇼 냉각 디바이스

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008009215A1 (de) 2008-02-13 2009-08-20 Universität Kassel Bauelement zur Darstellung von Symbolen und damit hergestellte optische Anzeigevorrichtung

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ITTO981029A1 (it) 2000-06-09
DE69902341D1 (de) 2002-09-05
ES2180265T3 (es) 2003-02-01
DE69902341T2 (de) 2003-04-24
IT1303597B1 (it) 2000-11-14
ITTO981029A0 (it) 1998-12-09
EP1008885A1 (en) 2000-06-14

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